O’Neill’s 2 HRs, Criswell’s 7 shutout innings lead Red Sox to 6-0 win over Rockies

He came to bat with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, but reliever Anthony Molina struck him out with a curveball (2-2) to end the inning.

Criswell (4-4) struck out four, scattered five hits and threw a career-high 105 pitches. Colorado led off the sixth with two singles, but Criswell got Brendan Rodgers to double play and Brenton Doyle to ground out.

The longest game of Criswell’s career gave Boston’s weary bullpen a much-needed break and he drew a loud applause from the Red Sox fans as he walked to the dugout after the seventh inning.

Boston got a scare when third baseman Rafael Devers was left lying down after diving for Ezequiel Tovar’s line-drive single in the sixth. Devers held his right shoulder while in the infield, but remained in the game after being checked by a trainer.

Kris Bryant returned to Colorado’s lineup after being activated from the 10-day injured list. The 2016 NL MVP batted fifth and played right field. He made a running catch on Rob Refsnyder’s tailing drive down the line in the first inning.

Bryant struck out twice, walked and grounded out, ending the game.

Red Sox: RHP Chris Martin (right elbow inflammation) could start pitching this weekend, manager Alex Cora said. Martin has been out since July 4 and suffered a setback before the All-Star break.

Rockies: C Elias Díaz (right calf) returned to the lineup after missing the previous two games. He doubled in three at-bats. … 3B Ryan McMahon (hand) was out of the starting lineup for the second straight game.

Boston closes the series with RHP Nick Pivetta (4-6, 3.87 ERA) facing Rockies RHP Cal Quantrill (6-7, 4.15) on Wednesday.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb